Bantham Vineyard

Planted in May 2021 on south-facing slopes above a bending estuary near Kingsbridge, this is a young vineyard on old ground. More than 27,000 vines went in, part of a wider estate that runs to ancient woodland, sand dunes and coastal grassland, farmed sustainably and much of it organic. The stated aim is to protect the place for future generations, which is easy to say and harder to plant 27,000 vines for.

The varieties are the classic English sparkling set plus a little more: Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Precoce, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, made up with a neighbouring winery rather than in isolation. There is a horse box wine bar pouring the estate-grown wine, and the village itself has the Sloop Inn a short walk from the beach and a shop at the top with panoramic views. Book the Sloop ahead; it fills year round.